The Forward Seamen’s Union of India (FSUI) has urged the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to address concerns over allegedly fraudulent vessel registrations and Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance certificates, warning that such practices pose serious risks to seafarers, particularly in high-risk maritime regions.
In a letter dated 21 October 2026 to IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, FSUI General Secretary Manoj Yadav highlighted cases involving tankers Asphalt Star (IMO 9463528), Stellar Ruby (IMO 9555199) and Al Jafzia (IMO 9171498), which were detained in Mumbai from February 2026 over suspected fraudulent registration and insurance documentation and alleged involvement in suspicious activities.
The union also raised concerns over the Palau-registered tanker Settebello (IMO 9162916), which was attacked in June 2026, killing three Indian seafarers. According to FSUI, the P&I insurance certificate submitted for the vessel’s registration was allegedly fraudulent and issued in the name of The American Club. The families of the deceased seafarers continue to face difficulties obtaining compensation, the union said.
Another case involved Celestial Sea (IMO 9397030), where an Indian second officer reportedly died after receiving inadequate medical assistance while the vessel was in the Strait of Hormuz. FSUI also alleged that Aruba had not issued a valid registration for the tanker.
The union warned that vessels operating as part of the shadow fleet, including those allegedly linked to sanctioned activities, may use questionable documentation and opaque ownership structures. It further claimed that several such vessels were controlled by companies operating from the United Arab Emirates under different names.
“These operations continue to endanger and claim the lives of innocent seafarers,” FSUI stated, calling for urgent IMO attention to fraudulent maritime documentation and the difficulties faced by affected seafarers’ families.
On 24 October, FSUI reported receiving a response from the IMO dated 23 October, acknowledging its concerns regarding fraudulent registrations, medical assistance and the repatriation of deceased seafarers. The union said the IMO reaffirmed its commitment to seafarer safety and welfare but did not announce specific enforcement measures against the vessels identified.
The concerns come amid broader IMO efforts to strengthen oversight of ship registration. In April 2026, the IMO Legal Committee approved new Guidelines on the Registration of Ships to improve due diligence, ownership verification and flag State oversight. The IMO reported that 529 ships had falsely flown national flags over the preceding year, affecting nearly 40 Member States.